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Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the New England Patriots have applied the franchise tag to cornerback Asante Samuel.

Samuel has emerged as a quality cornerback, and would have likely drawn plenty of attention in a light free-agent market. Historically, even so-so corners get overpaid in the early days of the league's annual shopping spree; Samuel surely would have cashed in this year.

The use of the tag also sets the stage for another ugly mess between the Pats and one of the team's key players. Last year, the agent for Deion Branch antagonized the front office by grandstanding in the media, and Samuel's agent already has begun that same process this year.

This means one of two things: The Patriots plan to trade Asante because the talks over salary have gone amiss.. Or they really do want him long term and are forcing his hand. Either way I don't know if I like it.

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